Dump box for chaff and the like

ABSTRACT

A combination floor and tail-gate assembly opens when unlatched due to the weight of the load thereon and closes when the load is discharged. A combination spring piston and cylinder assembly extends between the linkage to the tail-gate and the frame and compresses during the first part of the opening thus storing energy until it moves over center whereupon it controls the speed of the final opening. When closing, the reverse action takes place and by adjusting the connection of the cylinder to the frame, this speed of opening and closing can be controlled to suit the load on the floor. It also eliminates the need for latches to hold the floor open.

United States Patent 1 Dalman DUMP BOX FOR CHAFF AND THE LIKE [76] Inventor: Austin Lewis Dalman, General Delivery, Stockton, Manitoba, Canada [451 July 31, 1973 Primary Examiner-Richard J. Johnson Attorney-Kent & Ade

[5 7] ABSTRACT A combination floor and tail-gate assembly opens when unlatched due to the weight of the load thereon and closes when the load is discharged. A combination spring piston and cylinder assembly extends between the linkage to the tail-gate and the frame and compresses during the first part of the opening thus storing energy until it moves over center whereupon it controls the speed of the final opening. When closing, the reverse action takes'place and by adjusting the connection of the cylinder to the frame, this speed of opening and closing can be controlled to suit the load on the floor. It also eliminates the need for latches to hold the floor open.

DUMP BOX FOR CHAFF AND THE LIKE This invention relates to new and useful improvements in dump boxes for chaff or the like.

Such boxes conventionally include a hinged floor connected by linkage to a tail-gate. Lacthes are provided to hold the device in the open and closed position and the arrangement is such that when a load is on the floor, and the latches are released, the weight of the load tilts the floor downwardly. The linkage at the same time opens the tail-gate and allows the load to dump rearwardly of the box. As soon as the load is removed from the floor, the balance is such that the floor swing upwardly and, once again due to the linkage, the tailgate closes whereupon a latch is engaged to hold it in the closed position. Conventionally latches are also provided to hold it in the downward position due to a certain bouncing effect which occurs over normally rough ground encountered in fields and the like.

The present invention shows considerable improvement over existing structures inasmuch as there is provided a simple latch for holding the floor and tail-gate in the closed position together with the fact that adjustably positioned pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies are provided which control the opening and closing characteristics of the floor and tail-gate and which prevent the normal bouncing which occurs thus eliminating the necessity for further latches together with their control means.

The principal object and essence of the invention is therefore to provide a device of the character herewithin described which includes means to control the opening and closing characteristics of the floor and tailgate assemblies.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described in which the means for controlling the opening and closing characteristics can be adjusted within limited.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which is simple in construction, economical in manufacture and otherwise well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.

With the considerations and inventive objects herein set forth in view, and such other or further purposes, advantages or novel features as may become apparent from consideration of this disclosure and specification, the present invention consists of the inventive concept which is comprised, embodied, embraced, or included in the method, process, construction, composition, arrangement or combination of parts, or new use of any of the foregoing, herein exemplified in one or more specific embodimentsof such concept, reference being had to the accompanying Figures in which:

FIG. I is a front isometric view of the dump box in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the dump box in the open position.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side view with the floor slightly open, showing the latch mechanism.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinally sectioned view of the latch bolt and guide.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional of the pneumatic piston, cylinder and spring assembly.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

Proceeding therefore to-describe the invention in detail, reference to FIG. 1 will show that the dump box includes a side 10 extending upwardly from a supporting framework or chassis 11 which in turn is mounted upon wheels 12. It should be understood that a corresponding side is situated on the other side of the framework together with a corresponding wheel 12 but as the structure is identical, it is not believed necessary to show same.

A hitch 13 extends forwardly from the chassis or framework 11 and may be connected to the combine harvester or the like so that chaff or the like may be discharged therefrom into the front of the wagon which is open at the upper portion thereof (not illustrated).

A floor 14 is pivoted to-the framework by means of pivot 15 intermediate the front and rear sides thereof so that it can swing downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2 or upwardly to the closed position as in FIG. I.

A tail-gate I6 is rectangular in configuration and is adapted to close the rear of the wagon or box when in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1 and to open rearwardly and upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2.

Linkage collectively designated 17 extends between the tail-gate l6 and the floor 14 both for mounting the tail-gate for the above mentioned hingi'ng action and interconnecting the tail-gate with the floor 14.

This linkage includes main pivoting members 18 secured by one end thereof to the upper corners 19 of the tail-gate l6 and being pivoted to members 20 of the sides, intermediate the ends of the main linkage members, as indicated by pivot pins 21.

Brace members 22 are secured by one end thereof to adjacent'the lower corners 23 of the sides of the tailgate, intermediate the ends of these sides, and by the other end to a point 24 intermediate the ends of the main linkage component 21 but forwardly of the pivot points 21 as clearly shown.

A connecting link 25 extends from the other end of the main pivoting link 21 and to the rear corners 26 of the floor 14', these connections being pivotal.

When in the closed position, latches collectively designated 27 are situated on each side of the frame 11 adjacent the rear members thereof, said'latches taking the form of a guide 28 having latch bolt 29 longitudinally slidable therein. Reference to FIG. 4 will'show a spring 30 within a closed endedslot 31in the latch bolt, said spring reacting between the rear 32 of the slot and a cross pin 33 extending through the slot andengaging the guide sides 28. This spring normally biasse's the latch bolt in the rearward or engaging position.

A substantially horizontal latch pl'ate34 is secured adjacent the rear comers of the floor and strikes the chamfered end 35 of the latch bolt as the floor raises to the closed position thus engaging over the latch bolt and being held firmly in position until released by for.-

ward movement of the release cable 36 which may extend to the operating position upon the combine if desired.

Means are provided to control the opening and closing characteristics of the floor and tail-gate, said means making the form of a combination pneumatic piston, cylinder and spring assembly collectively designated 36.

This piston, cylinder and spring assembly is conventional in construction and may be a type normally used as a door closer. The piston 37 thereof is pivotally secured to a cross member 38 forming part of the side framework and the cylinder 39 is pivotally secured to a bracket 40 secured intermediate the ends thereof of the brace member 22. It should of course be appreciated that there may be a controlling device 36 upon each side of the dump box operating in a similar fashrun.

It will be observed that the pivotal connection of the piston 37 may be varied by engagement within one of a plurality of apertures 41 formed in the member 38.

In operation, and when the floor and tail-gate are closed and latched, chaff or the like is loaded within the dump box as it is pulled behind the combine or the like.

When it is desired to dump the load, the latches or latch bolts 29 are pulled by the release cables 36 thus allowing the weight of the load to tip the floor rearwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2. The linkage 17 at the same time opens the tail-gate 16 thus allowing the load to slide clear of the dump box. The first portion of the opening action moves the piston and cylinder assembly 36 from a forwardly inclined position shown in FIG. 1, to a substantially vertical position thus compressing same and storing energy therein. As the floor and tail-gate move towards the fully open position, this piston and cylinder assembly 36 passes over center and moves towards the rearwardly inclined position shown in FIG. 2 under which circumstances the stored energy in the spring 36' controls the speed of the opening and closing and maintains the tail-gate and floor in the open position without bouncing until the load is clear. As soon as the load has moved clear of the floor 14, the balance of the device causes the floor and tail-gate to move towards the closed position once again moving the piston and cylinder assembly towards the vertical position and storing energy in the spring. As the piston and cylinder assembly passes over center, the stored energy of the spring assists in the closing of the floor and tail-gate until the latch bolts 35 are engaged by the latch plates 34.

The closing is actually retarded by the piston and cylinder assembly and can be timed from approximately 2 seconds to 11 seconds depending upon the adjustment of the piston 37 with the cross member 38.

Either a pneumatic or hydraulic assembly can be used both of which are conventional and is designed to restrict or control action in one direction and to permit relatively free action in the other direction.

Usually, this construction resists compression of the piston within the cylinder and permits easy movement during expansion thereof. The spring 36' acts as an overload" type spring to reinforce the expanding action of the piston & cylinder assembly.

Various modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept which is herein disclosed and- /or claimed.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a dump box for chaff and the like which includes sides, a top, and a floor, said floor having a transverse hinge intermediate the front and rear ends thereof, a tail-gate, and linkage mounting said tail-gate for rearward swinging motion, said linkage cooperating with said floor whereby when said floor swings downwardly, said tail-gate opens and vice versa, the improvement which is characterized by the provisions of latch means on said sides engageable with said floor when same is in the closed position, means to release said latch means, and means extending between said linkage and said sides to control the opening and closing characteristics of said floor and said tail-gate, said means to control the opening and closing characteristics of said floor and said tail-gate includinga combination pneumatic piston and cylinder spring assembly on each side of said box, said assembly being pivotally mounted by one end thereof to said linkage and by the other end thereof to said side whereby said piston and cylinder and spring assembly compresses during the first portion of the opening and closing action, passes over center towards the center of the action, and expands during the last part of the action.

2. The improvement according to claim 1 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said linkage and said sides.

3. The dump box according to claim 1 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said brace members and said sides.

4. The improvement according to claim 1 in which said latch means includes a guide secured to each side adjacent the lower rear corners thereof, a latch bolt slidable in said guide, spring means normally biassing said latch bolt into the latched position, and a latch plate secured to each lower corner of said tail-gate engageable with said latch bolt when in the closed position, the engaging end of said latch bolt being chamfered to facilitate engagement with said latch plate.

5. The improvement according to claim 4 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said linkage and said sides.

6. A dump box for chaff and the like including in combination wheel mounted supporting framework, a pair of spaced and parallel sides extending upwardly from said framework, a floor transversely hinged between the front and rear thereof to said framework, a tail-gate, linkage mounting said tail-gate for rearward swinging motion to said sides, said linkage including main pivoting members, pivotally secured intermediate the ends thereof to each of said sides, said tail-gate being secured by the upper corners thereof to one end of said main pivotal members, brace members extending between intermediate the ends of said main pivoting members and to points intermediate side edges of said tail-gate, and connecting links pivotally secured by one end thereof to the other end of said main pivoting member and by the other end thereof adjacent the rear corner of said floor, said linkage'eooperating with said floor whereby when said floor swings downwardly, said tail-gate opens and vice versa, latch means on said sides engageable with said floor when same is in the closed position, means to release said latch means, and means extending between said brace members and said sides to control the opening and closing characteristics of 7. The dump box according to claim 6 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said brace members and said sides.

gate engageable with said latch bolt when in the closed position, the engaging end of said latch bolt being chamfered to facilitate engagement with said latch plate. 

1. In a dump box for chaff and the like which includes sides, a top, and a floor, said floor having a transverse hinge intermediate the front and rear ends thereof, a tail-gate, and linkage mounting said tail-gate for rearward swinging motion, said linkage cooperating with said floor whereby when said floor swings downwardly, said tail-gate opens and vice versa, the improvement which is characterized by the provisions of latch means on said sides engageable with said floor when same is in the closed position, means to release said latch means, and means extending between said linkage and said sides to control the opening and closing characteristics of said floor and said tailgate, said means to control the opening and closing characteristics of said floor and said tail-gate including a combination pneumatic piston and cylinder spring assembly on each side of said box, said assembly being pivotally mounted by one end thereof to said linkage and by the other end thereof to said side whereby said piston and cylinder and spring assembly compresses during the first portion of the opening and closing action, passes over center towards the center of the action, and expands during the last part of the action.
 2. The improvement according to claim 1 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said linkage and said sides.
 3. The dump box according to claim 1 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said brace members and said sides.
 4. The improvement according to claim 1 in which said latch means includes a guide secured to each side adjacent the lower rear corners thereof, a latch bolt slidable in said guide, spring means normally biassing said latch bolt into the latched position, and a latch plate secured to each lower corner of said tail-gate engageable with said latch bolt when in the closed position, the engaging end of said latch bolt being chamfered to facilitate engagement with said latch plate.
 5. The improvement according to claim 4 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said linkage and said sides.
 6. A dump box for chaff and the like including in combination wheel mounted supporting framework, a pair of spaced and parallel sides extending upwardly from said framework, a floor transversely hinged between the front and rear thereof to said framework, a tail-gate, linkage mounting said tail-gate for rearward swinging motion to said sides, said linkage including main pivoting members, pivotally secured intermediate the ends thereof to each of said sides, said tail-gate being secured by the upper corners thereof to one end of said main pivotal members, brace members extending between intermediate the ends of said main pivoting members and to points intermediate side edges of said tail-gate, and connecting links pivotally secured by one end thereof to the other end of said main pivoting member and by the other end thereof adjacent the rear corner of said floor, said linkage cooperating with said floor whereby when said floor swings downwardly, said tail-gate opens and vice versa, latch means on said sides engageable with said floor when same is in the closed position, means to release said latch means, and means extending between said brace members and said sides to control the opening and closing characteristics of said floor and said tail-gate, said means to control the opening and closing characteristics of said floor and said tail-gate including a combination pneumatic piston and cylinder spring assembly on each side of said box, said assembly being pivotally mounted by one end thereof to said brace members and by the other end thereof to said side whereby said piston and cylinder and spring assembly compresses during the first portion of the opening and closing action, passes over center towards the center of the action, and expands during the last part of the action.
 7. The dump box according to claim 6 which includes means to adjust the position of said assembly within limits relative to the mounting thereof to said brace members and said sides.
 8. The dump box according to claim 6 in which said latch means includes a guide secured to each side adjacent the lower rear corners thereof, a latch bolt slidable in said guide, spring means normally biasing said latch bolt into the latched position, and latch plate secured to each lower corner of said tail-gate engageable with said latch bolt when in the closed position, the engaging end of said latch bolt bein chamfered to facilitate engagement with said latch plate. 